Adjustable spreader cleat

ABSTRACT

An adjustable spreader cleat includes a first spreader cleat element with a first horizontal leg, a first vertical element attached to an outside end of the first horizontal leg and a first canted retaining element. A locking mechanism is located at an insertion end of the first spreader cleat element. A second spreader cleat element has a second horizontal leg end, a second vertical element and a second canted retaining element. The second horizontal leg includes a receiving end opening to a channel for receiving the insertion end, the channel includes a set of distributed latching regions for the locking mechanism. The first horizontal leg slides into the channel and locks into the second horizontal leg to join the first spreader cleat element with the second spreader cleat element. The first and second canted retaining elements and the first and second vertical elements cooperate to retain a form.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to concrete form braces. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to an adjustable spreader cleat.

BACKGROUND

There are many types of cleats, brackets, forms, clamps and the likeused for attempting to hold forms (e.g. typically wood forms) in placewhile pouring concrete into the form during the construction. FIG. 1shows a commercially available spreader cleat that is used to formfooters or grade beams.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a pair of spreader cleats 10 secure a wood form22, for example a plywood panel. The spreader cleats 10 include aninside vertical support 14 which bears against the inside of the form 22and an outside vertical support 23 which bears against the outsidesurface of the form 22. A nail 16 is typically used to secure the bottomspreader cleat to a green footing 20. Note that there is no mechanismfor expanding or contracting either of the spreader cleats should adifferent width for the concrete structure be needed.

Olsen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,309, teaches a cleat device for formingconcrete curbing that jointly retains a back board form and a frontboard form with a spreader spaced apart between the forms. The cleatdevice consists of three basic elements first a right angle shaped cleatback having a top end leg configured to intimately engage and retain theback board form. Second, a cleat arm that includes a top arm and anacute angled downwardly depending member is attached to the cleat backtop forming an inverted channel. The third element is a cleat leg thatis attached to the downwardly depending member allowing the cleat leg tobe adjusted vertically or at an acute angle. The disclosed adjustmentmethod utilizes a plurality of round holes in the cleat leg that matewith similar square holes in the cleat arm downwardly depending memberand carriage head cap screws with wing nuts are positioned within theseholes.

In a striking improvement over conventionally available spreader cleats,the present invention for the first time provides an adjustable spreadercleat that will adjust to varying widths to accommodate different designneeds with the same parts. In addition, the improved spreader cleatdisclosed herein, in one example, can service customer demand for widthadjustment by requiring a substantially reduced number of parts.Further, for many applications, the adjustable spreader cleat disclosedherein is essentially the only product needed to set form spacing toexact specifications, stop spreading, and securely hold forms at theappropriate height and width.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selectionof concepts that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Disclosed herein is an adjustable spreader cleat that includes a firstspreader cleat element with a first horizontal leg, a first verticalelement attached to an outside end of the first horizontal leg, and afirst canted retaining element. A locking mechanism is located at aninsertion end of the first spreader cleat element. A second spreadercleat element has a second horizontal leg, a second vertical element anda second canted retaining element. The second horizontal leg includes areceiving end opening to a channel for receiving the insertion end, thechannel includes a set of distributed latching regions for the lockingmechanism. The first horizontal leg slides into the channel and locksinto the second horizontal leg to join the first spreader cleat elementwith the second spreader cleat element. The first and second cantedretaining elements and the first and second vertical elements cooperateto retain a form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the novel features of the invention are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims, the invention, both as toorganization and content, will be better understood and appreciated,along with other objects and features thereof, from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a commercially available spreader cleat thatis used to form footers or grade beams.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an overall conceptual view of an adjustablespreader cleat.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an overall conceptual view of a pair ofcooperating adjustable spreader cleats securing a pair of forms inplace.

FIG. 4A schematically shows a first spreader cleat element having across section sized to be inserted into the channel of a second spreadercleat element.

FIG. 4B schematically shows a more detailed end view of a cross-sectionof the spreader cleat element of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A schematically shows a more detailed end view of a secondspreader cleat element having an open channel for accepting the firstspreader cleat element.

FIG. 5B schematically shows a more detailed end view of a cross-sectionof the spreader cleat element of FIG. 5A.

In the drawings, identical reference numbers call out similar elementsor components. The sizes and relative positions of elements in thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes ofvarious elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of theseelements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawinglegibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, arenot necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actualshape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for easeof recognition in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following disclosure describes an adjustable concrete form brace.Several features of methods and systems in accordance with exampleembodiments are set forth and described in the figures. It will beappreciated that methods and systems in accordance with other exampleembodiments can include additional procedures or features different thanthose shown in the figures. Example embodiments are described hereinwith respect to an adjustable spreader cleat for use in retainingconcrete forms. However, it will be understood that these examples arefor the purpose of illustrating the principles, and that the inventionis not so limited.

Definitions

Generally, as used herein, the following terms have the followingmeanings, unless the use in context dictates otherwise:

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims or the specification means one or more thanone, unless the context dictates otherwise. The term “about” means thestated value plus or minus the margin of error of measurement or plus orminus 10% if no method of measurement is indicated. The use of the term“or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicatedto refer to alternatives only or if the alternatives are mutuallyexclusive. The terms “comprise”, “have”, “include” and “contain” (andtheir variants) are open-ended linking verbs and allow the addition ofother elements when used in a claim.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example” or “an exampleembodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or combinations and/orvariations of these terms means that a feature, structure orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, theappearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures,or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

As used herein, “plurality” or “set” are understood to mean more thanone. For example, a plurality or set refer to at least two, three, four,five, ten, 25, 50, 75, 100, 1,000, 10,000 or more.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring now to FIG. 2, an overall conceptual view of an adjustablespreader cleat is schematically shown. An adjustable spreader cleat 100includes a first spreader cleat element 120 and a second spreader cleatelement 122. Each of the first and second spreader cleat elementsinclude a canted vertical retaining element 102A, 102B. Each of thecanted vertical retaining elements 102A, 102B are inclined toward theinside surface of an outer vertical retaining element 106A, 106B. Eachof the canted vertical retaining elements 102A, 102B are spring biasedtoward the outer vertical retaining elements. In one example, aninwardly curved tip 103A, 103B may be formed at a top end of each of thecanted vertical retaining elements. Each of the first and second cantedvertical retaining elements include a pinch point 15A, 15B.

As explained in more detail below, the first and second spreader cleatelements mate with each other. Locking mechanisms are included to enablewidth adjustments to be locked into place. The first and second spreadercleat elements will slidingly adjust horizontally as indicated by doublearrow 77.

Each spreader cleat element includes a horizontal leg 111A, 111B each ofwhich is separately attached to one of the vertical elements 106A, 106Brespectively.

Support webbing 108A, 108B may advantageously be formed between thehorizontal elements and the base elements. A plurality of latchingregions 113 are formed in the second spreader cleat element 122. This isexplained in more detail below. When in use, one or more nails 143 maybe used to drive through a plurality of nail holes 55 in each of thefirst and second spreader cleat elements.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an overall conceptual view of a pair ofcooperating adjustable spreader cleats securing a pair of forms inplace. Top and bottom adjustable spreader cleats 100 cooperate to retainleft and right forms 107. In use, the canted vertical retaining elements102A, 102B and the spreader cleat vertical elements 106A, 106B cooperateto tightly retain the forms 107 in place. The webbing 108A, 108Bsubstantially prevents spreading and holds the form in the appropriateposition when concrete is poured into the opening 400 between the forms107.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a first spreader cleat element having a crosssection sized to be inserted into a channel of a second spreader cleatelement is schematically shown. The first spreader cleat element 120includes a plurality of nail holes 55, a canted vertical retainingelement 102A, vertical element 106A and support webbing 108A. Aninsertion end 200 includes a spring clip mechanism 202. The spring clipmechanism 202 may include opposing cantilevered spring clips 204 whichare biased in a locked position protruding outwardly from the surface206 of spreader cleat element 120. When adjusting, the cantileveredspring clips 204 are compressed inwardly into open recesses 210. Atriangular guide 217 may be advantageously included to aid in aligningand inserting the first spreader cleat element into the second spreadercleat element. Upon reaching a desired width, the cantilevered springclips snap outwardly into latching regions 113 in the second spreadercleat element 122, as described in more detail below with reference toFIG. 5A.

In one example, the cantilever spring clips may be offset on opposingsides of the spreader cleat element, such as, for example on the top andbottom. Of course, other equivalent configurations and mechanisms may beused such as spring biased detent balls or the like. In operation, thecantilever spring clips 204 engage the latching regions 113 in thesecond spreader cleat element when the first element is inserted intothe second element. When a selected latching region 113 is reached thecomponents “snap” into place to lock the spreader cleat elementstogether at a selected width. Note that in some examples, extensionelements may be sized to allow the width of the adjustable spreadercleat 100 to be 6 inches to 24 inches wide.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a more detailed end view of a cross-section ofthe first spreader cleat element of FIG. 4A is schematically shown. Thecross section of the first spreader cleat element 120 has a tab 121 anda triangular guide 217 both of which are advantageously sized to fitsnugly within a horizontal channel and a notch 155 (as best shown inFIG. 5B) in the second spreader cleat element.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a more detailed end view of a second spreadercleat element having an open channel for accepting the first spreadercleat element is schematically shown. The second spreader cleat element122 is made substantially the same as the first spreader cleat element,with the exception that, instead of a spring clip, at a receiving end222, a notch 155 is formed to accept the triangular guide 217.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, a more detailed end view of a cross-section ofthe second spreader cleat element of FIG. 5A is schematically shown. Achannel 125 is advantageously sized to accept tab 121 from the firstspreader cleat element 120.

Having described the configuration of the example embodiments, it willnow be useful to the understanding of the invention to describe how thevarious components are manufactured. The devices can be constructed fromany material having properties that make the material satisfactory foruse with concrete and provide sufficient strength to support the formside walls against deformation under hydrostatic pressure. For example,the spreader cleat elements may preferably be fabricated usingtechniques such as casting or injection molding, and fabricated from avariety of materials, such as metal, plastic or the like.

The invention has been described herein in considerable detail to complywith the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art withthe information needed to apply the novel principles of the presentinvention, and to construct and use such exemplary and specializedcomponents as are required. However, it is to be understood that theinvention may be carried out by different equipment, and devices, andthat various modifications, both as to the equipment details andoperating procedures, may be accomplished without departing from thetrue spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable spreader cleat comprising: a firstspreader cleat element having a first horizontal leg, a first verticalelement attached to an outside end of the first horizontal leg and afirst canted retaining element substantially parallel to, and displacedinwardly from, the first vertical element; a locking mechanism at aninsertion end of the first spreader cleat element; a second spreadercleat element having a second horizontal leg end, a second verticalelement attached to an outside end of the second horizontal leg andsecond canted retaining element substantially parallel to, and displacedinwardly from, the second vertical element; wherein the secondhorizontal leg includes a receiving end opening to an elongated channelin the second horizontal leg for receiving the insertion end, andwherein the channel includes a set of distributed latching regions forsecuring the locking mechanism; and wherein the first horizontal leg isadapted to slide into the channel and lock into the second horizontalleg at one of the set of distributed latching regions, thereby joiningthe first spreader cleat element with the second spreader cleat element,and wherein the first and second canted retaining elements and the firstand second vertical elements are adapted to cooperate in pairs to retaina form.
 2. The adjustable spreader cleat of claim 1 further comprisingfirst support webbing formed between the first horizontal leg and firstvertical element, and second support webbing formed between the secondhorizontal leg and the second vertical element.
 3. The adjustablespreader cleat of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second cantedretaining elements include a pinch point.
 4. The adjustable spreadercleat of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second horizontal legelements include a plurality of nail holes.
 5. The adjustable spreadercleat of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes a spring clipmechanism.
 6. The adjustable spreader cleat of claim 5 wherein thespring clip mechanism includes opposing cantilevered clips biased in alocked position protruding outwardly from a surface of the firsthorizontal leg.
 7. The adjustable spreader cleat of claim 1 wherein thefirst horizontal leg further includes a guide affixed at the insertionend.
 8. The adjustable spreader cleat of claim 7 wherein the guide is atriangular guide.
 9. The adjustable spreader cleat of claim 8 whereinthe second horizontal leg includes a notch for receiving the triangularguide.
 10. The adjustable spreader cleat of claim 1 wherein all of theelements comprise material selected from the group consisting ofplastic, nylon, metal, and carbon fiber.
 11. The adjustable spreadercleat of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises devicesselected from the group consisting of spring clips, cantilevered springclips, opposing spring clips, and offset spring clips.
 12. Theadjustable spreader cleat of claim 1 wherein the width of the first andsecond horizontal elements is adjustable in a range from 6 inches to 24inches.
 13. A kit for an adjustable spreader cleat comprising: a firstspreader cleat element having a first horizontal leg end, a firstvertical element attached to an outside end of the first horizontal legand a first canted retaining element substantially parallel to, anddisplaced inwardly from, the first vertical element by a predeterminedlength; a locking mechanism at an insertion end of the first spreadercleat element; a second spreader cleat element having a secondhorizontal leg end, a second vertical element attached to an outside endof the second horizontal leg and second canted retaining elementsubstantially parallel to, and displaced inwardly from, the secondvertical element by a predetermined length; wherein the secondhorizontal leg includes a receiving end opening to an elongated channelin the second horizontal leg for receiving the insertion end, andwherein the channel includes a set of distributed latching regions forsecuring the locking mechanism; and wherein the first horizontal leg isadapted to slide into the channel and lock into the second horizontalleg at one of the set of distributed latching regions.
 14. The kit foran adjustable spreader cleat of claim 13 further comprising firstsupport webbing formed between the first horizontal leg and firstvertical element, and second support webbing formed between the secondhorizontal leg and the second vertical element.
 15. The kit for anadjustable spreader cleat of claim 13 wherein each of the first andsecond canted retaining elements include a pinch point.
 16. The kit foran adjustable spreader cleat of claim 13 wherein each of the first andsecond horizontal leg elements include a plurality of nail holes. 17.The kit for an adjustable spreader cleat of claim 13 wherein the lockingmechanism includes a spring clip mechanism.
 18. The kit for anadjustable spreader cleat of claim 17 wherein the spring clip mechanismincludes opposing cantilevered clips biased in a locked positionprotruding outwardly from a surface of the first horizontal leg.
 19. Thekit for an adjustable spreader cleat of claim 13 wherein the firsthorizontal leg further includes a guide affixed at the insertion end.20. The kit for an adjustable spreader cleat of claim 19 wherein theguide is a triangular guide.
 21. The kit for an adjustable spreadercleat of claim 20 wherein the second horizontal leg includes a notch forreceiving the triangular guide.
 22. The kit for an adjustable spreadercleat of claim 13 wherein all of the elements comprise material selectedfrom the group consisting of plastic, nylon, metal, and carbon fiber.